What is digital storytelling?
As the name implies, it is the practice of using computer-based tools to tell stories. Digital stories typically contain a combination of computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and/or music.Why would I want to incorporate digital storytelling into my classroom?The real question is – Why not?

Not only can teachers create digital stories to introduce, teach and/or review concepts, but this strategy can be used for a variety of project-based assessments. More importantly, students can demonstrate their understanding of skills acquired during a lesson or unit while having the opportunity to imagine, plan, design, compose and invent - skills all crucial to 21st Century learning. And what a great way to hook reluctant readers and writers in all subjects!

Storytelling can also satisfy the NETS for Students in the areas of Creativity & Innovation, Communication & Collaboration, Digital Citizenship, and Technology Operations & Concepts. But most of all, digital storytelling can inspire students.

Uses for Digital Storytelling:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating digital stories, but here are some ideas to consider as potential themes for digital storytelling projects:

The best part about digital storytelling/Photo Story is that it can be used at any grade level and in any content area!Tips for Creating a digital Story: 1. Pre-Planning Tasks (story boarding, idea mapping, note cards, flow charts, outline, create draft(s), purpose)2. Research (Internet sites, video, books, magazines, newspapers, data, interviews, surveys...)3. Upload Photos/Pictures4. Last slide must include works cited (images, music, voice...Be sure to cite it all!)5. Add Text/Voice Narration6. Special Effects/Transitions7. Music (cite sources...be sure it is meaningful to the topic)8. Present/Peer Reviews (Adapted from Bernajean Porter's notes -http://www.digitales.us)

Essentials Elements of Digital Storytelling:

1. Overall Purpose of the Story (What is the main point of the story?)

6. Pacing of the Narrative (The rhythm of the story and how slowly or quickly it progresses)

2. The Narrator’s Point of View (What is the perspective of the author?)

7. Use of a Meaningful Audio Soundtrack (Music or other sounds that support and embellish the storyline)

3. A Dramatic Question (A key question that keeps the viewer's attention and will be answered by the end of the story)

8. Quality of the images, video & multimedia (Image and video that support and embellish the storyline)

4. The Choice of Content (Making the topic come alive in a powerful way to connect the story to the audience)

9. Economy of the Story Detail (Using just enough content to tell the story without overloading the viewer)

5. Clarity of Voice (A way to personalize the story to help the audience understand the context)

10. Good Grammar and Language Usage

For more information about how these elements can be used in the classroom, you may be interested in the following articles: